MANY LAMPS, ONE LIGHT*: BUDDHISM

 

MANY LAMPS, ONE LIGHT*: BUDDHISM

Introduction

Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions. At its heart, Buddhism teaches compassion, mindfulness, wisdom, and the importance of reducing suffering for ourselves and others.

In Malaysia, Buddhism is practised by many communities, especially among Chinese, Thai, Sinhalese, Burmese, and some indigenous groups. Buddhist temples, monks, meditation halls, and acts of quiet kindness have long been part of the Malaysian landscape.

Many Malaysians may recognise Buddhism through Wesak celebrations, monks in saffron robes, or the peaceful atmosphere of temples. But beyond these outward expressions lies a deep tradition that encourages self-discipline, compassion, inner peace, and harmony with others.

An important text in Buddhism is the Dhammapada, a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Buddha. Simple yet profound, the Dhammapada speaks about wisdom, anger, peace, discipline, compassion, and the human mind. Many Buddhists regard it as one of the clearest introductions to Buddhist thought and ethical living.

Brief History

Buddhism began more than 2,500 years ago in ancient India.

·        The Buddha: It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, meaning “The Awakened One.” Born as a prince, he left behind wealth and comfort after witnessing suffering in the world.

·        The Search: He spent years seeking answers about suffering, aging, sickness, and death.

·        Enlightenment: After deep meditation under the Bodhi tree, he attained enlightenment and discovered a path toward wisdom, compassion, and liberation from suffering.

·        The Teaching: For the rest of his life, the Buddha travelled and taught people from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, wealth, or status.

·        The Spread: Buddhism later spread throughout Asia, including Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and eventually Southeast Asia, including the Malay world.

Core Beliefs

Buddhism is built upon several important teachings:

·        Life contains suffering and difficulties.

·        Suffering is often caused by attachment, greed, and ignorance.

·        There is a path toward peace and liberation.

·        Compassion and kindness toward all living beings are essential.

·        Mindfulness and self-awareness help us live wisely.

·        Good actions bring positive consequences.

·        Inner peace begins with mastering oneself.

Buddhists also follow teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which guide moral living, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Practices & Rituals

Buddhists practise their faith in many peaceful and disciplined ways:

·        Meditation: Meditation is central in Buddhism and helps develop mindfulness, calmness, and wisdom.

·        Prayer & Chanting: Buddhists chant scriptures and verses as acts of reflection and devotion.

·        Temple Visits: Buddhists visit temples to pray, reflect, offer respect, and perform acts of merit.

·        Offerings: Flowers, candles, and incense are often offered as reminders about life, gratitude, and impermanence.

·        Compassion: Many Buddhists practise generosity, kindness, and charity toward others.

·        Monastic Life: Monks and nuns dedicate themselves to spiritual discipline, study, and service.

Festivals & Celebrations

The most important Buddhist celebration is Wesak.

Wesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. It is a sacred day of reflection, prayer, compassion, and good deeds. Buddhists visit temples, meditate, offer food, light candles, and participate in charitable activities.

In Malaysia, Wesak celebrations often include processions, acts of charity, blood donation drives, and community service.

Other Buddhist traditions may also celebrate special observances connected to different schools of Buddhism and local cultures.

Values We Can Learn

There is much Malaysians can learn from Buddhist traditions:

·        Remain calm during difficulties.

·        Practise compassion toward all people.

·        Learn to control anger and hatred.

·        Value simplicity and moderation.

·        Be mindful of our words and actions.

·        Seek peace instead of conflict.

·        Respect all forms of life.

·        Develop inner discipline and patience.

Cultural Expressions

Buddhist culture is rich and diverse:

·        Temples: Buddhist temples are often peaceful places filled with symbolic art and architecture.

·        Meditation: Quiet reflection and meditation are central expressions of Buddhist spirituality.

·        Art & Statues: Images of the Buddha symbolise peace, wisdom, and compassion.

·        Festive Lanterns: During Wesak, lanterns and lights symbolise wisdom overcoming ignorance.

·        Vegetarian Traditions: Many Buddhists practise vegetarianism as an expression of compassion toward living beings.

Across Asia, Buddhist traditions developed different cultural styles, but they share common values of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom.

Misunderstandings & Clarifications

Understanding these points helps us appreciate Buddhism better:

·        Buddhism is not merely about rituals or statues; it is deeply focused on personal transformation and ethical living.

·        The Buddha is respected as an enlightened teacher, not worshipped as a creator God in many Buddhist traditions.

·        Meditation is not escaping life; it is about understanding the mind more clearly.

·        Buddhism encourages compassion, moderation, and responsibility in daily living.

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting a Temple

Visiting a Buddhist Temple:

·        Dress modestly and respectfully.

·        Remove your shoes before entering certain prayer areas.

·        Speak softly and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

·        Do not point your feet toward monks, nuns, or Buddha statues.

·        Avoid touching sacred objects without permission.

Meeting Monks or Nuns:

·        Show respect and politeness.

·        A gentle bow or greeting is appreciated.

·        Avoid overly loud or disruptive behaviour.

During Ceremonies:

·        Observe quietly and respectfully.

·        Photography may not always be appropriate in certain prayer areas.

Buddhism in Malaysia

Buddhism has been present in the Malay world for more than a thousand years through trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

·        Today: Buddhism remains one of Malaysia’s major religious traditions and is practised by various communities across the country.

·        Contribution: Malaysian Buddhists have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, charity work, business, culture, and community service.

Many Buddhist organisations actively support welfare homes, disaster relief, educational programmes, and humanitarian causes.

Interesting Facts

·        The Buddha lived to around 80 years old, which was considered a very long life during his time when many people died much younger. Some people today note that his disciplined lifestyle included moderation in eating, regular walking, meditation, and avoiding heavy meals late in the day. In many Buddhist monastic traditions, monks do not eat after midday, reflecting a practice of restraint and mindfulness.

 

·        Interestingly, the Buddha’s original questions about suffering, aging, sickness, and death remain some of humanity’s deepest concerns even today. Modern societies continue searching for answers through medicine, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and science. Aging, mental suffering, sickness, loneliness, and death remain central concerns of modern civilization, showing how deeply relevant the Buddha’s questions still are.

 

·        Although the Buddha was born in ancient India, Buddhism eventually spread far beyond one ethnic group or civilization. Today, Buddhists can be found across Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, China, Japan, Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and many other parts of the world. Over time, the Buddha became a universal figure respected across cultures and nationalities.

·         

·        Historically, some Buddhist kingdoms also placed strong emphasis on protecting nature and animals. In Sri Lanka, for example, Buddhist rulers centuries ago introduced laws and practices that discouraged unnecessary killing of animals and encouraged respect for living creatures. Scholars believe this contributed to the island preserving remarkable biodiversity despite being densely populated for centuries.

 

·        The Buddha encouraged questioning and reflection, not blind acceptance.

Voices from the Tradition (Dhammapada)

·        “Hate is never appeased by hate in this world. By non-hate alone is hate appeased. This is an eternal law.”
(Dhammapada 5)

·        “Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.”
(Dhammapada 100)

·        “Though one may conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, yet he indeed is the noblest victor who conquers himself.”
(Dhammapada 103)

·        “Victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily the peaceful live, giving up victory and defeat.”
(Dhammapada 201)

·        “Let us live happily, not hating those who hate us. Among those who hate, let us live free from hatred.”
(Dhammapada 197)

·        “The mind is difficult to control and restless; it runs wherever it desires. It is good to tame the mind, for a well-trained mind brings happiness.”
(Dhammapada 35)

10 Beautiful Things We Can Say About Them

1.    They teach compassion and kindness.

2.    They value peace and self-control.

3.    They encourage mindfulness and reflection.

4.    They remind us to reduce anger and hatred.

5.    They practise generosity quietly.

6.    They value simplicity and moderation.

7.    They contribute greatly to charity and welfare.

8.    They encourage respect for all living beings.

9.    They promote calmness in difficult times.

10. They remind us that inner peace matters.

Moving Forward Together

We hope that this brief look at Buddhism helps Malaysians better know, understand, and appreciate one another. When we learn about each other’s traditions and values, we strengthen mutual respect and deepen our shared humanity. And when we deepen understanding, we move closer together as one people and one nation.

Peace, anas

*Note - Beginning this Vaisakhi, we launch Many Lamps, One Light - a project dedicated to sharing the beauty of our different religious traditions. By learning about one another, we hope Malaysians will grow in understanding, appreciation, and unity as one people. This Wesak sharing is the second in the series.